ATLANTA, March 12, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Georgia Power is helping Piedmont College save money and energy with rebates and incentives offered through the company's Commercial Energy Efficiency program. The school is utilizing the program to reduce energy usage and overall costs through lighting upgrades and other energy efficiency improvements.

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Among its energy efficiency upgrades, Piedmont College completed a lighting retrofit in 13 buildings at its Demorest campus that included switching 231 light fixtures to new high-efficiency lighting. It is estimated the school will save more than $6,000 a year with the more efficient bulbs.

"Our customers look to Georgia Power for energy-saving advice," said Michele Wagner, Georgia Power's energy efficiency director. "Working with Piedmont College through our Commercial Energy Efficiency program is a great example of how our energy efficiency partnerships can help customers identify ways to save money and energy and lower their overall energy costs."

Georgia Power's EarthCents Commercial Energy Efficiency program provides rebates and incentives to all commercial customers. The program encourages customers to incorporate high-efficiency equipment upgrades at schools, universities, hospitals and other businesses. Customers can receive incentives for making qualified improvements, including upgrading interior lighting and installing high-efficiency heating and cooling systems.

"Working with Georgia Power on this lighting retrofit will allow us to save on our monthly power bill while simultaneously allowing us to decrease maintenance costs, because the newer bulbs last about 30 percent longer," said Dr. James Mellichamp, president of Piedmont College.

The Commercial Energy Efficiency program is a part of Georgia Power's EarthCents^® initiative, which offers residential and business customers a portfolio of energy efficiency programs to help them save money, use energy efficiently and help the environment. For program details, visit georgiapower.com/commercialsavings.

Georgia Power is the largest subsidiary of Southern Company, one of the nation's largest generators of electricity. The company is an investor-owned, tax-paying utility with rates below the national average. Georgia Power serves 2.4 million customers in all but four of Georgia's 159 counties.

SOURCE Georgia Power